Orhan Mosque, Ottoman mosque in İzmit, Turkey.
Orhan Mosque is a mosque in the old center of İzmit, Kocaeli Province, built with a rectangular plan using stone and brick walls. The exterior has a wooden roof, while inside the ceiling is vaulted, giving the prayer hall a distinct shape.
The mosque was commissioned by Suleyman Shah, son of Sultan Orhan Gazi, in the early Ottoman period. It was built as the Ottomans were establishing their hold over the region around İzmit.
The imam delivers the Friday sermon while holding a sword, a custom rooted in Ottoman military tradition that continues to this day. Visitors who attend Friday prayers can witness this practice firsthand.
The mosque stands on a hill in the old part of the city, within walking distance of Bagcesme Mosque. It is open to visitors outside prayer times, and modest dress is expected.
From the mosque's garden, there is a wide view over İzmit and the bay below, which looks especially striking at sunset. This spot is easy to miss, as most visitors focus on the building itself.
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